Story time!! Last night, 11:15pm. Everyone else asleep (including retrievers - thank goodness). I’m in the hot tub. I hear the marshies (Heron and Egret - our LGDs) start barking near the fence to the hill pasture, but it’s not their coyote bark. It’s…more excited? Not alarmed. 1/?

They need to calm down.

Stairwell obstacles.

Sometimes sacrifices must be made in order to stay close to your sibling.

Even Wigeon seems to be questioning the retriever logic of cuddling > comfort. Please note the clean, empty, blanketed bed RIGHT NEXT TO THEM. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

@clairewillett.bsky.social please please please do another Christmas playlist thread! You made our December audio sitch *so much better* last year and the whole family is hoping you’ll introduce us to more bangers this year!! 🙏🙏🙏

[turkey] hope springs eternal. Happy Thanksgiving!

Avert your eyes!!

Those autumnal night shifts are *rough*

ANTICIPATION. But do it politely.

Monday chomps.

They think* if they manage make eye contact with me I’ll remember to let them in. *know

Autumn is *everyone’s* favorite.

With the time change, on our evening hikes I just see bobbing lights in the distance.

Ready!!

Seems like in this configuration they could actually fit a 6th. This is by choice. There are copious (extra, empty) beds and lots of blankets.

@alixeharrow.bsky.social My son and I *just* finished reading 10,000 Doors of January last night (a beloved rite of passage in our house for all three children - “mom! you’re crying about Bad AGAIN?!”) and my bookstore called this morning to tell me the Everlasting had arrived…

It’s okay to not want to be part of the crowd.

Autumnal forest cat.

Four dogs who thought their afternoon hike had been vetoed only to discover there were enough votes for an override.*

Laundry: always a joint (ad)venture.

A tisket, a tasket…

Sunday night meal prep with my retriever overlords.

Ready for action. Or dinner. Really, both.

Friday hurdles ✅✅✅✅✅

Today is one of those days when I wish I shared Wigeon’s ability to sleep through *anything*

Whooo boy was that a Monday.

Overnight shift was rough.

Trying to play tug with a bone >> using rope toy specifically designed for tug that’s on the floor right next to them 🤦‍♀️

Caught between a rock (cat) and a hard place (also cat)

You look away for one second and BAM!

Delish.

Find your own sunny spot and take a breath. We made it to the weekend.

Given the size of the hospital bill, I don’t think Wigeon looks sad/guilty *enough* and she’s definitely using the donut as a pillow. PSA: don’t eat socks, kids, no matter how delicious. 36” of intestine is too much to lose 🤦‍♀️🧦🤦‍♀️🧦🤦‍♀️

Stairwell naps.

It’s good to check in with your friends.

Raven says she doesn’t care what the outside temperature is - it’s officially the “brrr”* months and she’s ready. *”ber” for those playing along at home. RaveyGravy cares not for spelling.

Oregon: still muddy, even at the end of August.

Busy Saturday. Time to rest.

Who needs chew toys when you have a little sister?!

Even when open, they (tried) to respect the baby/puppy gate boundaries. But it took great self restraint. #TBT

Friends ♥️

Wednesday: bring it.

Wide legged stance.

They definitely have something planned and aren’t even feigning innocence.

Sometimes, misting fans are the only solution. (It’s very hot here today)

Upside-down dreams (the good kind)

Ready to PLAY!!

When you’re a kitten, there are monsters EVERYWHERE

Dog days of summer [morning breakfast in the barn]